PA Sen. Casey Announces Support for Same-Sex Marriage

By MARK SCOLFOROAssociated PressHARRISBURG, Pa.Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey announced Monday that he is now in favor of gay marriage, the latest of several lawmakers to change positions on the issue now before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Casey said he made the shift after reviewing the legal, public policy and civil rights questions involved, as well as letters from Pennsylvania families.

In November, as he successfully sought a second term, Casey said he favored same-sex civil unions but did not take a position on same-sex marriage. He previously voted to let gays and lesbians serve openly in the military and to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Casey, a Roman Catholic from Scranton, opposes abortion rights, except in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger.

Several other Democratic senators who, like Casey, represent swing states, have recently made similar announcements.